Raploch’s Big Noise Orchestra has returned from its Big Trip to Venezuela to news of a major new funding boost.

Players of People’s Postcode Lottery are supporting Sistema Scotland, the charity behind Big Noise, to the tune of £100,000.

Sistema Scotland chairman Richard Holloway said: “This is marvellous news. This funding will help us to keep delivering this exciting transformative work, in Raploch and our second centre in Glasgow’s Govanhill. Every penny will be put to good use!”

Kate Pearson, Deputy Head of Charities, People’s Postcode Lottery said “We are absolutely thrilled to be supporting Sistema Scotland and the Big Noise. It’s such a fantastic organisation, offering life-changing opportunities for all the young people involved. We are proud that the £100,000 support from players has enabled the charity to expand its existing offering and we look forward to working together to achieve even more in the future.”

Big Noise is an orchestra programme that aims to use music making to foster confidence, teamwork, pride and aspiration in the children taking part – and across their wider community. It is based on the methods of Venezuela’s “El Sistema” movement and is run by the charity Sistema Scotland.

Nicola Killean, Director and CEO of Sistema Scotland, said: “We’ve received wonderful cooperation from Stirling Council over the first five years of the project and we’re looking forward to that continuing.”

“In the first five years we raised over £3million from the private sector including major, multi-year commitments from the Sigrid Rausing Trust, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, The Robertson Trust, The Monument Trust and The MacRobert Trust.”

“The on-going work of the orchestra still relies on financial support such as this announcement today from players of People’s Postcode Lottery.”

“Whatever the source, money for our orchestras is an investment in the lives of children, which will save society money in the long term. We are producing not just musicians but happy, healthy and well-equipped citizens.”